Social Media Week: RedEye's picks for the social media everyman

Jessica Galliart, @jessicagalliart

For six days in September, several cities across the globe simultaneously host panels, events and more to celebrate Social Media Week (Sept. 24-28). Like social media but don’t necessarily want to get involved as a techie, an entrepreneur or a social media geek? Here are a few events that might be worth your time, including a couple hosted by yours truly.

*All events are free, but registration is required. Hurry--some are filling up fast!

Tribune Sports: Social Media is Changing the Game2 p.m.-3:30 p.m., MondayCampbell Hall, Tribune TowerSocial media and sports go hand in hand these days, especially in Chicago. Meet a few of the Chicago Tribune’s sportswriters to hear what goes into their now-24/7 jobs on the sports-Twitter desk. Register here

Facebook and GovernmentNoon-1:30 p.m., TuesdayCDW PlazaIf you couldn’t tell from your turbulent Facebook feed, it’s an election year. Facebook’s associate policy manager, Adam Connor, offers up some insight on how elected offices and officials are using everyone’s favorite social network to engage with their constituents. Plus, Mayor Emanuel’s Director of Social Media sits in for a Q&A afterward.Register here

From Chicago to Berlin: Tostitos Silent House Party3 p.m.-4 p.m., WednesdayPioneer CourtI swear Social Media Week is more than panels. Ever been to a silent disco? Check out this “silent house party” with sister Social Media Week city Berlin. Attendees in both cities with simultaneously listen to DJs and live-tweet parties in their respective cities via wireless headphones.Register here

Instagram and Twitter Historical Tour of Grant Park1 p.m.-3 p.m., ThursdayBuckingham Fountain, Grant ParkLove taking scenic photos of the touristy parts of the city you live in? Impress your friends even further when you live-tweet fun facts, too, as you Instagram your way through this Grant Park tour, guided by a Chicago Park District historian. Register here

For Good and Not Evil: Social Media in a Chicago Public Schools Classroom4 p.m.-5 p.m., ThursdayThe Cafe, National Teachers AcademyWhat would your elementary and high school years have been like had you had social media at your disposal? Hear from a few Chicago Public Schools teachers about how they’ve introduced social media into their classrooms, “for good,” and not “for evil.”Register here

Can Social Media Improve Transit?9:30 a.m.-11 a.m., FridayTribune Tower, Cambell HallIs social media making it easier to get around Chicago? RedEye's Tracy Swartz and the Tribune's Jon Hilkevitch lead a discussion on the impact of Twitter and more on Chicago's various transit options at this panel. Register here

Social Media Week Cross-City ChallengeYou like free money? Of course you do. Participate in this social media, food truck challenge to win big prizes: Gather up as many points as you can by sharing tweets and photos from Chicago food trucks (use the #eatSMWchicago hashtag, too). Those with the most points win the big bucks.